When Wisconsin’s football coaches convened this offseason to construct their running back room, they knew their top target needed to possess two critical traits: Experience and durability.

The addition of Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III represented a perfect match for that vision. Sama not only would be a senior who could lead a young running back group, but he also arrived having proven his consistency with three years of meaningful playing experience.

Much is expected this season of Sama, who has 348 career carries for 1,933 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wisconsin is coming off a season in which its leading rusher finished with 363 yards, the lowest by the team’s top rusher since 1967. The hope is that Sama, as well as transfers Bryan Jackson and Nate Palmer and returner Darion Dupree, can help make the offense more dynamic.

In the latest Badger Connect Podcast, Sama discusses his path to Wisconsin, goals for the season and more. Check out the full episode here:

(Top photo courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics)